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- The Ranown Cycle of Films and The Studio Behind It
- Praise for The Ranown Cycle Westerns
- How to Watch The Ranown Cycle Westerns
As a long-time fan of Western films, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering some hidden gems that have truly left a mark on me. Among those is the Ranown Cycle, a series of Westerns starring Randolph Scott that, despite their ‘B-movie status,’ pushed the genre in new and exciting ways.
In conversations about the history of the Western genre, popular names and films typically come up, such as John Wayne’s groundbreaking work in “Stagecoach” (1939) or Clint Eastwood’s critically acclaimed reinterpretation of the genre with “Unforgiven” (1992). Yet, there is a collection of movies that are frequently underappreciated and overlooked.
The collaboration between actor Randolph Scott, director Budd Boetticher, and producer Harry Joe Brown led to a collection of Western films collectively called the “Ranown Cycle.” In this analysis, we delve into why these Westerns are often overlooked, their significant role in Western genre history, and reasons you might appreciate them.
The Ranown Cycle of Films and The Studio Behind It
The “Ranown Cycle” is a set of Western movies produced between 1956 and 1960, featuring both direction by Budd Boetticher and acting by Randolph Scott. Prior to their partnership, Randolph Scott had been a prominent figure in Hollywood since 1928; his first significant role was in the 1931 film “Women Men Marry.” Scott was also frequently seen in Westerns before working with Boetticher. Budd Boetticher, too, was an accomplished Western director prior to their collaboration, having previously worked with Audie Murphy on “The Cimarron Kid,” and Glenn Ford in “The Man from the Alamo.”
For the first time, Randolph Scott and Harry Joe Brown collaborated on the set of “7 Men From Now,” initiating the Ranown Cycle Western series despite it being produced by Batjac Productions. Notably, the remaining movies in this cherished Western collection were helmed by Scott-Brown Productions, a partnership between Scott as an actor and producer/director Brown. With a career spanning back to 1924, Brown brought a wealth of experience to the table. The Ranown Cycle derives its name from the production company itself, formed by merging ‘Ran’ (from Randolph) and ‘own’ (from Brown).
List of Films in The Ranown Cycle
- 7 Men From Now (1956)
- The Tall T (1957)
- Decision at Sundown (1957)
- Buchanan Rides Alone (1958)
- Ride Lonesome (1959)
- Comanche Station (1960)
In conversations about the Ranown Cycle, it’s worth noting the film “Westbound” from 1958. Although Budd Boetticher directed this movie and Randolph Scott starred in it, Warner Bros. produced it. Boetticher himself didn’t consider it his own work. Besides “Westbound,” Scott-Brown Productions, which often featured Randolph Scott as the main character, was also behind several other Westerns not part of the Ranown Cycle. These include well-known movies like “The Desperadoes” (1943), “Gunfighters” (1947), “The Nevadan” (1950), and “The Stranger Wore a Gun” (1953).
“What brings you here, Boone? Every man requires a purpose for traveling through the wilderness. Do you have one?” (Randolph Scott as Ben Brigade in Ride Lonesome)
Praise for The Ranown Cycle Westerns
The Ranown Westerns, while not as famously debated as other Western film series in contemporary film discourse, are considered underappreciated gems by fans of Randolph Scott. These movies, often labeled “B-movies,” provided fresh and innovative perspectives to the genre through their production, even if they don’t receive the same level of recognition as revisionist or spaghetti Westerns. Randolph Scott’s performances in these films are noteworthy, but it is the content of the Westerns themselves that set them apart from many films of the time.
In a compact run time of under 90 minutes, these movies presented complex themes, raising moral dilemmas, and exploring psychological aspects – elements seldom found in their genre at the time. These films serve as a bridge between classic Westerns and the groundbreaking revisionist approach that followed, with the Ranown Cycle frequently cited as an early influence on notable titles such as “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
As a gamer, I can say that Scott’s gritty and seasoned demeanor added depth to each film in the Ranown Cycle, setting him apart from the typical heroes of that era. Plus, Budd Boetticher’s extensive use of on-location shooting gave these movies a distinctive visual flair, with a special affinity for the Alabama Hills. The films are linked not only by their visual style but also by their thematic resonance.
In a lengthy piece published by the Duluth Reader, Jim Lundstrom highlights the allure of these Western films and their unique differences from other Westerns produced during that time.
In this narrative, the characters aren’t strictly good or evil; there’s a spectrum of morality at play. For instance, some antagonists in these films could have easily ended Scott’s character, but instead of a confrontation, they chose not to do so. They might acknowledge that they had the chance to harm him, yet they confess to struggling with the idea of taking such a ruthless action because it would have been difficult for them to live with themselves afterward.
1. The movies have received critical acclaim as well, boasting a 100% fresh rating for every film except “Ride Lonesome,” which scored 90%. For instance, the opening movie of the series, “7 Men From Now,” was praised by critic Rich Brody from the New Yorker who described it as possessing Hemingway-like intensity in its unexpressed emotions and bitter wisdom, with a minimalist visual style to complement. This theme is consistent throughout the subsequent films in the series.
How to Watch The Ranown Cycle Westerns
1. The classic Western film series known as the Ranown Cycle has been made available in a collector’s edition by The Criterion Collection. For those who prefer streaming, you can rent titles such as “7 Men From Now“, “Comanche Station“, and “Buchanan Rides Alone” on platforms like YouTube, Apple TV, or Prime. Other films in the series are more accessible, with free options on Tubi and Plex to watch “The Tall T“, “Decision at Sundown“, and “Ride Lonesome“. The film often mentioned as part of the Ranown Cycle, “Westbound“, can also be rented via YouTube, Apple TV, or Prime.
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2024-07-29 23:01